We were all waiting impatiently, with anxious and innocent eyes, to reign in the 2010 baseball season. Sunday night felt like Christmas eve. It was hard to sleep and I just new Santa would bring me a brand new toy (in the shape of a new baseball season) in the morning. Well Santa did not disappoint.
Since the last season, my hubbadub and I moved from 3 blocks north of Nats Park back to our native Oklahoma. It was hard to leave DC, but career changes called and it was inevitable. I knew when I left DC, the number one thing I would miss would be Nationals baseball. Nats fans are unique. We are dedicated folks that still stand behind our team after a few not so perfect seasons. We have a continued optimism that the next game will turn our team’s fate around. We get very excited when we win even two games in a row and feel proud when our favorite players see success. Nats fans are a community, a family. All from different places, backgrounds, and roots in our baseball fandom, but at the end of the day, we just love our team. I was sad to leave this city because I knew I would miss my family, so it was good to be home for Opening Day.
The day tickets went on sale for Opening Day, I got online and got mine the second they were available. I immediately began looking at flights to come back to DC for the game. While living in DC, I found solace at the Nats games. It was a place of happiness and comfort, almost like a second home. I found it very appropriate that I return to my second home on my first trip back to DC.
My hubby and I arrived VERY early for the game. The anticipation of President Obama’s first pitch had me thinking the lines would be super long and the secret service wouldn’t let me into the game with my over sized purse (my purse could be on the show, Hoarders). Of course when you arrive at 4 hours before the game, lines tend to be a bit short. We got in the game and there I saw it, the beautiful pristine field. It felt like coming home after a long day at work where your boss is yelling, nothing is going your way, and your printer decided it would jam up on you. We grabbed us a half smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl (see post on my other blog Okie Foodie) and found a way to our seats. Finally the opening ceremonies began full of the national anthem, announcement of the teams, and President Obama’s first pitch. I was so excited to see the President throw out the pitch. I don’t care what your political persuasions are, this is a great DC baseball tradition!
Finally the game started, and we scored in the first. This seemed to be a great start. I was just happy to see baseball! Shortly thereafter, unfortunately the game fell apart for the Nats. A few minutes later, we had reached the point of no return and my hopes of watching the Nats win at this Opening Day I had waited to see since October of last year were dropping. Unfortunately (as is with every time we play the Phillies at home), I was SURROUNDED by Phillies fans. This was not fun. They were yelling, turning around to rub it in every time, and basically trying to ruin my good time. Let’s just say they tried to ruin this day for me, but did not prevail.
Of course the Nats ended up losing 11-1 on Monday, but I still had a good time. The excitement of Opening Day was great. It was great to see President Obama throw the first pitch, be back with my Nats family, see the racing presidents, and enjoy the atmosphere of the sport I enjoy so much. It made me miss DC horribly and I really hope I can come to more games during this baseball season. Opening Day did seem much like Christmas. Santa brought me that Easy Bake Oven (Opening Day) I asked my mom for but she said it was a little too expensive this year, but unfortunately forgot to bring the light bulb that cooks the miniature cakes (a Nats win). I’m crossing my fingers for a good season and hope some of the veterans and new guys will prove to be a good change. I know one thing will hold true, I won’t ever be missing an Opening Day again.
Original Story:
http://wevegotheart.com/2010/04/09/my...
