I think it was more of a "because it was there" thing. If there's dirt, he'll play in it.
The game story is kind of cute. We went in not knowing they were opening up the field after the game to let kids run the bases. The Cardinals do that 4 or so times a season and we got tickets for Labor Day because that is a run the bases day.
Anyway, we're approaching the ballpark and Stephen is really impressed with the statues (he calls them statutes). He sees a souvenir stand and wants to buy a pennant. I promised him I'd buy one on the way out. Then we go through the gate and up to our seats. Of course, hot dogs, soda and peanuts are mandatory.
Top of the second inning he wants to go home. This happens every time we go to any type of event, even Rugrats Live on Stage. I buy him off with a promise to buy him some ice cream next time the vendor comes by. 15 minutes later, still no vendor. "I want to go home." Before I can respond, the magical announcement comes over the PA. "Don't forget kids 15 and under can run the bases after the game today." The game was in the top of the third inning.
We both heard it and had our own little excitement. Stephen because he knew he would be running the bases soon and I because I knew we would stay for the whole game. After every half inning, "Is the game over?" "No. 36 outs to go." "36?" Etc.
Stephen then has to go to the bathroom, so we do that and stop at the concession stand for ice cream. He wolfs that down and then has to go poop. So it's back to the toilet (fortunately it was right at the gate where our seats were), then back to watch the end of the game. The Cardinals' win it with a run in the 8th that scored on a wild pitch. Then we get in line to run the bases. "I can't take this much longer." "Be patient." Then the line moves and we eventually are on the field. Big thrill for Dad; big yard for Stephen. After running and finishing his little construction project behind home plate, we leave the stadium and buy a Mark McGwire pennant. Stephen waves it proudly on the way to the car and lets the whole world that he is the only one who has a Mark McGwire flag. Kudos to Stephen for behaving so well. He was asleep in the car within 5 minutes.
DSD |
