American Pastime

The countdown is underway for the new Twins stadium, which I think will be open in 2010. In an effort to take in as much as I can of an old ballpark, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, I attended a game last night with a few guys from work. I always forget how much fun a baseball game can be. The weather was warm and the pre-game atmosphere on Kirby Puckett Drive outside the dome was refreshing. Add to that a corn dog, some cheese curds and a St. Paul brewed Summit Pale Ale and I was a happy fan. Even though the Twins lost and crept below the .500 mark.

Still, as happens with many things, the innocence and pleasure of the game has changed from what I remember as a child. Baseball games seemed so magical. Players whose faces I normally saw only on baseball cards were living legends playing with and against my hometown favorites. The Metrodome seemed like a country all its own, larger than life itself. Of course as an adult, we realize the players have flaws, bad attitudes, trade teams, and have personal managers trying to get them the best contract. And the Metrodome, we realize, isn't the most ideal way to experience baseball. Fake grass. Nylon roof.

I think there is a positive spin, however. I think back to the games I attended with my Dad...the games that inspired me to swing a bat, throw a ball and buy countless packs of baseball cards with my modest allowance. As a dad, those games must have been special to him, too. Hopefully because he saw the joy in his own son's eyes as he watched his favorite player, "...the center fielder, number 34, Kirby-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y Puckett!" trot out of the dugout and begin tossing the ball to left fielder Dan Gladden. Those were the days.

And those will be the days. In time I'll put a little Minnesota Twins jersey on my own son and join my dad at the ballpark, where we will once again feel the magic we both felt as kids. We'll pay $10 for a corn dog. We'll snack on a few deep fried cheese curds. We'll bear the heat, waiting in line for a ticket. And we'll love every minute of it.