Baseball Dad

May 1, 2011- During the past few weeks three (3) MLB players have taken paternity leave to be with their wives during the amazing moment - the birth of their children. They have received some criticism about missing a few days of work, or shall I say a few games of baseball, but I can only guess that those critics are not fathers.

One of the players who recently took paternity leave hits close to home, Washington NationalsShort Stop, Ian Desmond. Not only is Ian a hometown favorite, but Sofia and I met him late last year when the Nationals released their new uniforms. Ian took special attention of his young fan and now we know why, he was a dad to be. To know that Nats Coach, Jim Riggleman, endorses the League’s implementation of paternity leave is encouraging. To know that Ian was with his wife when their baby boy was born on April 26, 2011, priceless!

Today was overcast, but a few clouds and some sprinkles were not going to keep Sofia and I from a day at the ballpark. Sofia was decked out in her pink in support of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer that ended in Washington, DC today.

Getting out to the ballpark is always great, but today’s Giants vs. Nats game was special. Sofia and I sat in the Right Field stands right above the newly acquired Jason Werth. This brought memories from our June 25, 2009, 30 Ballparks and a Baby stop at Tropicana Field when we watched a rematch of the 2008 World Series, the Rays and the Phillies. Sitting right behind us that night was a young die-hard Rays’ fan that was still upset at the Phillies beating the Rays in the World Series. This young fan had perfected his baseball “chatter” and his target that night, Jason Werth. He told Jason “here’s a quarter, go get yourself a cup of coffee cause it’s not as if you are doing anything else” and would quickly follow with “hope you enjoy last years ring because it’s going to be your last”. Punchline after punchline: “Must be hot under that hat, your hair has turned red”. I asked the young fan where he learned his chatter and he quickly replied, “my dad!”, who sat at his side with a sense of pride.

That day in Tampa we joined the Rays fans to root against Jason and the Phillies, but today was a completely different day. Today we cheered for Jason and the Nats who beat the Giants 5-2, but the only part of the game that really mattered was enjoying my time with Sofia and, even though it rained, the day shined.

Washington, DC (March 31, 2011) - Washington Nationals Opening Day: Braves vs. Nationals

The 2011 MLB Opening Day finally arrived, but the Washington, DC weather did not get the memo. The day started off with sprinkles and turned into a balmy 41 degrees. Sofia was looking forward to a little baseball, but because of a cold and an un-cooperating mother nature, her Opening Day will be delayed. But the 30 Ballparks and a Baby family was not shutout. Dad weathered the storm and got unprecedented access to the pregame ceremonies.

Upon arrival at Nationals Park, dad hit the field just in time to catch the Braves take batting practice. It was like “déjà vu all over again” from the Turner Field visit in 2009 (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=119552&id=122793954504).

The pregame ceremonies began with the induction of legendary sportscaster James Brown, former Redskin and radio personality Brian Mitchell, and ½ of PTI Michael Wilbon, among others, into the Washington DC Hall of Fame. The induction was followed with roaring cheers as Nats fan favorite, Ryan Zimmerman, received his 2010 Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger award.

In contrast to Zimmerman’s cheers, recently inaugurated DC Mayor, Vincent Gray, received deafening boo’s as he kicked off the Nationals’ 2011 season with “Play Ball”. With the response that Mayor Gray received, he is going to have a tough four years and I hope his self-inflicted misfortunes are not those of the Nationals.

The Nationals hit the field behind their off-season prize, Jason Werth, and their two veterans, Livan Hernandez and Ivan “Pudge” Rodriquez. The 36-year old Livan pitched his 4th Opening Day for the Nationals, his 9th career Opening Day. Pudge posted his 2,500 career game and 20th consecutive Opening Day start.

Werth, Herndandez, Pudge and the rest of the Nationals played a great game. Jason Werth got on base in his first at bat as a National, but the Braves just had a tad more juice on this day. The Braves scored early with a Brian McCann single that scored future Hall of Famer Chipper Jones in the first inning and in the second inning, Jason Heyward hit a solo homer. The 39,055 fans in attendance watched the Nationals lose 2-0, but from Coach Riggleman down, everybody agreed that the Nationals played exceptionally well.

With this competitive team that was assembled in the off-season and haven watch their Opening Day, the Nationals should have a solid 2011 Season.

For more info check out:

http://www.30BallparksandaBaby.com

http://www.facebook.com/30Ballparksandababy