In Response to the Rockies Suite

"He settled in Chicago where he quickly learned to live and die with the White Socks. Died a little when they lost the 1919 World Series, died a lot when the following summer when eight members of the team were accused of throwing that series" [1]. But unlike John Kinsella my father isn't doing much dying this year, for with the Rockies only three and a half games out of first place, my father watches every game with the intensity of a big league pitcher looking in for the sign.

I remember playing baseball as a kid, and knowing my father on the baselines watching me like a big league scout, wondering if I could cut it. Sometimes I did, more often than not, I didn't. But still he was there to give encouragement, some advice, never a harsh word. Now I know I'll never make it to the big leagues, but I still go with him, to watch the Rockies. We rise to our feet when the ball is hit deep, cheer with all our hearts when the ball leaves the park. I know he never sees as many games as he'd like, work or other engagements always stop him, so I don't want the tickets, but I know my father would.

To be surrounded by friends, family, all the people in his life that care about him, and the game. To bring both passions together for a night, it would give him memories that he has never had before. Sure he's been to a game with his wife, his son, but never before surrounded by 11 other people wanting to share an evening filled with good company, and baseball. What makes me smile even more is knowing the games matter, each win a chance to become a game closer to the leader, or hopefully advance the Rockies a game ahead of the rest of the Western Conference.

I think about all the times we played catch, on a school field not far from our house. The simple joy in tossing a ball, the sound it makes when it strikes leather. I know I will never make it in the big leagues, never hear my name called over the pa, see my name on the scoreboard, but when we watch the Rockies, I feel like I've made it. I'm standing in the box, with all his advice in my mind, waiting for the pitch.

That is why I would like to go see the Rockies this fall.

[1] Field of Dreams. Dir. Phil Robinson. Perf. Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Burt Lancaster. DVD. Universal Studios, 1989.