A Trip To The Keys

The Frederick Keys, not the Florida Keys! 

On Sunday, August 29, we took the boys to see their first baseball game.  We decided to take them to a minor league game for their first experience because we weren't sure how long (or even if) baseball would hold their attention.  Also, we reasoned we could get great seats for a far more reasonable price compared to what we'd pay for major league tickets.  Plus, the players are almost as talented as those in the major league since the Keys are a class A affiliate of the Orioles.

Ryan, who had a lot of questions about how the game is played, planted himself in Mike's lap and insisted on play-by-play commentary.  Luckily, Mike, who prefers football and basketball to baseball, was able to answer all of Ryan's questions and teach him the basic rules of the sport.  Despite his disinterest in baseball, Mike clearly enjoyed the bonding experience.   And talk about memorable moments - is there anything sweeter, more wholesome, or all-American than to watch a father teach his son about the national pastime?!?!

Fairly early on, the opposing team's third base coach took issue with the home plate umpire's calls.  He angrily confronted the umpire and the argument escalated into a shoving match.  The coach was ejected from the game, but, unfortunately, he did not leave willingly or quietly.  Although I'm not sure that Ryan understood everything that was happening, it did give us an opportunity to teach him a valuable lesson about good sportsmanship!

Gavin, who was not nearly as interested in the game as Ryan, was content to eat a lemonade flavored snowcone and walk up and down the empty bench where we were sitting!

Since it was miserably hot (mid to upper 90s), we didn't protest too much when Ryan decided he was bored and ready to leave after about four innings. 

Scanned images of Ryan and Gavin's first baseball tickets.

I guess you can't watch baseball without enjoying a ridiculously overpriced hot dog!

Apparently this is what Ryan considers a loving embrace.  To me, it looks like a stranglehold!