Take Me Out To The Ball Game......

There are so many "firsts" in life that you never forget. Your first day of school. Your first car. Your first love. Your first kiss.

But all of these pale in comparison to your first baseball game!

And so it is that I am extremely thrilled to have shared that experience this past weekend with the future Mrs. Meanie's son, Connor.

However, what was even better, was watching my son Christian take take his future step-brother under his wing and teach him the ropes - helping him pick out a souvenir t-shirt, showing him where the bullpen is, showing him how to read the scoreboard, and more importantly, how to use your licorice as a straw!

Yes, this past Sunday, I took my boys to the Roger Centre to see the Jays play the Yankees.

An afternoon at the ballpark - Baseball. Souvenirs. Hot Dogs. Popcorn. Peanuts. Coke. Pizza. Does it get any better for 12 and 6-year old boys??

It was so cool watching Connor as he observed everything with wondrous eyes that only a 6-year old possesses. As we sat on the top level of the train he marveled at being able to see the roof of the train station. He was in awe at the height of the roof in the Skywalk (the walkway that connects Union Station to Rogers Centre).

And then there was the Rogers Centre itself. To a 6-year old, it must have seemed like the grandest place on earth!

As I mentioned earlier, my son Christian took it upon himself to be the best big brother he could be and enhance Connor's first trip to the ballpark. And I couldn't have been prouder of him for doing it. I have been doing my best to raise him to become a man. A good man. And eventually, a great Father. And based on what I saw Sunday, he has been paying attention.

Connor looks up to his big brother so much so, that on Sunday, he decided that he finally likes hot dogs. And why?? Because Christian was having a hot dog!

Seeing that it was Connor's first game, we introduced him to everything! The street meat outside the Rogers Center. He got to meet and have his picture taken with the drummer dude who rhythmically plays and sings "Let's go Blue Jays". He got his first program. His first Jays cap. His first Jays T-Shirt. And ultimately found a favourite player - Travis Snider.

Connor was thrilled to watch his new favourite player - Travis Snider - run down a fly a ball and make a spectacular catch in left field. He was even happier to see him throw the tagging runner out at home.

We also introduced him to his first seat at the ball diamond. Section 236, Row 1, Seat 6. Yup. First Row! We prefer the 200 level because the seats are cushioned, and they have cup holders - which come in very handy when you have a bucket size Coke!!

The only downside to the seats we occupied is that they weren't in an ideal location for catching foul balls. But that didn't stop Connor from sliding on his glove every time a "lefty" came to the plate - just incase. We never did catch a foul ball (although two dropped right in front of us and one flew just over our heads), but after almost every one, Connor chronicled in great detail (and with actions) how he would have caught the ball had it arrived in our section.

The only thing better than lots of junk food and souvenirs at a ballpark, is when the home team wins. And the Jays didn't just win, they spanked the Evil Empire (Yankees) 14-8!

Connor couldn't wait to show his Mom (the future Mrs. Meanie) all the neat stuff he accumulated throughout the afternoon. Programs, pictures, a t-shirt, and the item he coveted the most, his new ball cap!

I'm all about creating memories for the kids. Sometimes (like Sunday) it costs me a fortune, but at the end of the day, it's worth every penny. My goal, my job, is to teach these boys how to be men. How to be Fathers. And my hope is that when my boys have kids of their own, that they'll remember days like Sunday, and will want to create these types of memories for their children. If they do that, I will have succeeded as a Father, and my Grandchildren will reap the benefits.

Until then, I will leave you with these words of wisdom..........

Let's go Blue Jays!