Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Something very curious happened this week. I was browsing through pictures of time gone by and found some pictures of our baseball summers. It made me really miss them! I know, I know...I never thought I would say the words either, but I miss my husband playing baseball. I think it made me remember some of the great memories we have made- from our earliest days of getting to know each other to our "disagreements" about another weekend full of games. You know that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you just MISS something? I actually had that feeling about BASEBALL! I told Ryan about it and I don't know if I have ever seen him smile so big.

When I think about our baseball days so many experiences come to mind. Maybe a week into dating I went to one of the Aggie club team games. I was sitting with Ryan's mom (who I had maybe met once before) behind the backstop and Ryan was up to bat. Ryan ended up striking out (a rare occurrence) and he wasn't too happy about it. As he walked back to the dugout and right past me and his mother I was able to hear a few choice words roll of his tongue. Way to make a good first impression, right?When Ryan and I were trying to decide when to tie the knot we kept moving the date. First it was August to wait for Greg to get home from his mission, then it was the end of the semester in May or June, and finally spring break came into the picture. We were eating dinner at one of our favorite spots, Wingers, and were discussing possible days. I brought up spring break and the many reasons it would be a perfect time. Ryan just looked at me and said, "Well I will have to check if I have a game first." I was so mad! That was definitely a time when baseball was NOT my favorite sport. Lucky for Ryan he realized I was a little cuter than the guys on the baseball team and we ended up getting married March 3.

I don't think I will ever be able to forget the longest game of my life! It was a summer night game that lasted about 4 and a half hours! Ryan added to the score with 3 home runs including 2 grand slams. Too bad they still lost.

Of course there were lots of fun road trips involving baseball, but I always found a little more joy in the ones that took us south. Whether it was the USU team or when Ryan was coaching Logan High we had some great times in St. George. I even got to spend my 21st birthday in Mesquite with all the Palmer boys (Jeff, Ryan, Greg, and Taylor) at the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet. Yes, dreams really do come true.

I am so glad baseball is something all the Palmer boys enjoy. Ryan has been able to develop great relationships with his brothers through this game. Of course it is a sport and they are boys so there may have been some tense moments along the way too. But I don't think any of them would change the memories they have made whether they were in Oregon, as Aggies, or under the lights during the summer.

So I guess there is a lot to miss about Ryan's favorite past time. I have made some great friends, great memories, and deeper love for my husband through all the 900 innings I have sat through. So could someone please, take me out to the ballgame!