Collecting sports memories, from Memorial stadium and beyond
There was a television commercial a while back where these two 20-something-year-old guys were visiting baseball stadiums all around the U.S.
I’m not bitter that my idea was stolen.
It was an interesting idea that I had in 1983, which started with Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. I took two weeks off that year and just went to Memorial Stadium, where even today I could relive the exciting moments of watching Boog Powell and Brooks Robinson playing. Brooks was who I always wanted to be a kid.
There were a lot of stadiums I visited that year--Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park etc... Each has its unique charm and memories all its own. The collecting of Baseball memorabilia (e.g., signed baseballs, bobble heads, autographs and photographs) can make you feel as if you are there again, and as though your are seeing those important moments as if it is happening now.
Well, back to my beginning storyline! Upon arriving at Yankee Stadium, which is being torn down at the end of this season, the Yankees were winning as usual (that year at least) and I found myself mumbling a few deleted expletives about the Yankees. After all they were beating up on Cal, and Rick Dempsey and I was being informed by a nearby fan of the opposing team about the 26 world championships and how I should admire this feat. Ok, but the Orioles have a few too … I said.
Being originally from Massachusetts, I am also a Red Sox fan. Don’t hate me, it’s in the blood. I fiercely fight for “Dem O’s” and am a loyal Orioles fan. Hell, who am I kidding? Put on any baseball game, and I’ll be watching it. I was actually called a baseball groupie, if there is such a thing, but that was by a Canadian so it doesn’t count.
I had one more visit for the ’83 season, so I had to choose… maybe Pittsburgh. Nah they cost me money in ’79. So, on to Wrigley Field. I arrived on a weekend and the Cubs were out of town. I missed them by a day. I have to keep up with that schedule, I thought.
However I did see a game with the White Sox vs. Twins , if you’re interested in the box score.
I did this type of trek again in 1985, but this time I just followed the Orioles on some of their road games. It was a bit pricey, but it was some of the most fun I ever had.
I collect sport memorabilia as one of my hobbies, and it does what hobbies are supposed to do: Make your enjoyment of the strategy and excitement of each game, because, like people, no two are alike.
Whatever sports team you support, experience the fun of traveling with the team (well sort of). I love watching the team play, rooting for them, collecting the memorabilia, and experiencing the thrill of being part of history.
This is the baseball groupie hopefully saying the Orioles are in the “WIN” column tonight.
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Collecting sports memories, from Memorial stadium and beyond
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