Over the past two weeks I have been very fortunate. Saw two Cubbies games in Wrigley with Mrs Infielddad to celebrate her having to put up with me for 30 years, and then this week, with my son and some friends, visited Cooperstown, PNC, and was in Minute Maid yesterday to see Biggio's jersey be retired.
For me, it is hard to tell which would be best because they would be all ranked with a #1. Everytime I go into the Hall, I get chills. Reading the plaques of my heroes from long ago, walking through the Negro league display, seeing the stories of the Homestead Grays, the Pittsburgh Crawfords, "Buck" O'Neal, Jackie Robinson, Josh Gibson, Roy Campanella and so many others makes such an impression.
To see all the current category leaders with the numbers contrasted with the HOF leaders is awe inspiring. Recognizing the numbers put up by Mays, Aaron, Williams and others, especially when they had military commitments leaves me incredulous.
This trip we got a special viewing of some baseball memorabilia including an 1899 season pass, the bat Mays used for his 4 homer game against the Braves in 1961, a look at a Ruth bat full of nails which were legal then. Amazing, just amazing.
Onto PNC, perhaps my favorite park. Love the view of the City over the River. Love the Park. Just a beautiful place. Even with a team/franchise in turmoil, it is a beautiful place to watch and experience a game.
Yesterday in Houston I listened to Biggio and his son, who was a presenter, and it left me with some tears. For those who don't know, Biggio is now coaching high school ball. His oldest told the story of throwing his helmet in anger after an AB and immediately realizing the mistake. Next day he ran 1/2 the practice and learned an important lesson about how the game is played.
Biggio, to me, is under appreciated but is a true HOF'er and I hopefully will get to Cooperstown in 4 years when he is a member. To hear so many talk about him as a great player and even better teammate and leader on and off the field...terrific. Won't be many better who get admitted in Cooperstown than Biggio.
But with everything, I love Wrigley. Wonderful fans who love the game and their Cubs. Stands filled with families. Moms and Dads talking baseball with sons/daughters. Just a special feeling when Santo and Hundley sing "Take me out to the ballgame." Everyone stays until the game is over to sing "Cubs Win" and then climb the "L" for the ride home...or maybe head to the corner of Waveland and Sheffield for a cold one.
Sharing the experience with Mrs. Infielddad on her first visit to Chicago and Wrigley did everything to enhance each pitch, each inning, and the fun and joy of games in Wrigley.
While I am honestly uncomfortable about the business of baseball, I love the game and love watching the skills with which it is played.
Funny thing that game of baseball.
I sure feel lucky.
'You don't have to be a great player to play in the major leagues, you've got to be a good one every day.'
