The Journey of Becoming a Baseball Fan
Baseball has been a part of my life since my earliest memories, originating from my grandfather who was always my guiding light in the baseball world. My journey as a fan started with the bedtime routines of listening to the St. Louis Cardinals' broadcasts, and it has evolved into a deep and abiding love for the game and the San Francisco Giants.
From My Grandfather's Influence to My Father
My journey with baseball began when I was quite young. Living with my grandparents when I was little, I would sneak down to my grandfather's room in the evenings after I was supposed to be in bed. There, we would listen to the St. Louis Cardinals' broadcasts. Among those players, Stan Musial stood out as our favorite, and I can still remember Grandpa's joy as Stan "The Man" stepped up to the plate, never sending me back until he had hit his swing. I’m sure my mother knew about these late-night escapades, but she never intervened, and the memories are still vivid to this day.
The Dodgers Fanatic - My Dad
My father was a big baseball fan, and he often shared the lore and tales of legendary players with me. By the time I was nine years old, I had joined the fray, supporting the Brooklyn Dodgers during their most successful season. As baseball became more integrated into our daily lives, I was also placed on a softball team by my parents at age five, and have been playing every spring since 2007. My father's passion for baseball clearly rubbed off on me.
The Spark of the 2010 World Series
The 2010 World Series by the San Francisco Giants was a pivotal moment in my childhood. In that year, the Giants won the NLDS, NLCS, and went on to win the World Series. My parents, initially bandwagon fans, were supportive of the Giants, and it sparked in me an intense love for the game and the team – my team. Watching the intense battles of pitchers and hitters, I felt a connection to every meaningful at bat. The team's victories rekindled my love for the sport, and baseball became an integral part of my life.
The thrill of witnessing the giants' every play, the sheer skill and finesse of the game, the intricate statistics and calculations that went into every game, and the sense of achievement and recognition were all factors that fueled my passion. My love for baseball is also partly rooted in my being a math nerd, appreciating the strategic and numerical elements of the sport.
In conclusion, my journey as a baseball fan started with bedtime routines and grew to be a significant part of my identity. The love for the game and the San Francisco Giants that I felt as a child has stayed with me through the years, shaping my life in countless ways. Baseball has been more than just a sport; it has been a source of joy, competition, and a shared passion throughout my life.