Boston Trip ’22

May 8, 2023

     I got to the ballpark about 5. I headed back to the Team Store for t-shirts for my son, Nicholas. I was with my aunt and uncle, Carol and Jim. Plus, I picked up a yellow Boston shirt and a blue team cap for myself.

     Nicholas wearing his t-shirt. He is not really a boy; he’s 27 now. He must be thinking he’s Johnny Damon in his Boston days with that beard. 

     My aunt Carol and uncle Jim wearing their tee’s. Ever notice how difficult finding women’s clothing is? Much to my dismay, I had to get my aunt the same t-shirt as my son. The selection was limited due to the store’s lack of sizes.

     My get up for the game. The trip was as much about Boston and Sox for me as it was for the Tigers. 

     I walked to my seat in section 107 in the third row. I got my share of stares. I was wearing the hometown team t-shirt and the opponent’s hat.

     Once seated, the questions started. Love that east coast accent, wish I could type it here. 

     I had been warned, from others that had visited Fenway, the crowds are rude and combative to out of towners. I found these stories totally the opposite. Everyone treated me with kindness and respect. That is, with the exception of concession stands that charged seven dollars for a 16 oz bottle of Coke. 

Part 3: A

     In the first, Miguel Cabrera and some guy named JD Martinez (wise crack intended. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him play in ‘The D’) exchanged an RBI for each team. Cabrera’s on a single to center and Martinez’s via a Sac Fly to center. 

     Javier Baez homered for the Tigers in the third. But Trevor Story’s three run homer in the bottom half of the fourth pretty much sealed it for our Detroiters. 

     I’m notorious for leaving before the final outs are made. Both winning or losing and managed my way to the exit after the Tigers batted in the eight, trailing 5-3. The Red Sox had scored another run on a homer, by catcher, Christian Vasquez in the seventh. I listened from a cab, as Jonathan Schoop homered in the top of the ninth for the Tigers last run. Boston went on to win 5-4.

     Love this panoramic! 

     What a ballpark! Someday it’ll come down. They all do. for the new. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to experience such a grand setting. 

     After leaving the ballpark, a cab driver saw me wearing the ‘Ole English D’. He asked me what part of Michigan I was from. We talked a couple minutes and then, out deep center field, offered me a ride back to the hotel. I gladly accepted the short, free, ride. 

     In my room, later that evening, the feeling of accomplishment began to sink in. I had fulfilled a ‘bucket list item. Seeing Fenway Park and watching the Tigers play the Red Sox was a dream come true. 

     I got to thinking of my grandparents. They traveled from there upon arrival to this country. It is the place I have now, and for the better part of my life, called home. All the while, thinking how wonderful it would be to live there myself. 

     Somewhere in Massachusetts we have relatives. Relatives I vaguely remember as a young child. But their names have long since been erased from that, then, toddler’s mind. 

     The homes look the same as I recall in those childhood memories. Yet I haven’t trekked to the ocean front, to where I recall them having lived. I know I wouldn’t recognize one from the other, nor have a clue to even where to begin. But I’ve got to see the same portion of the Atlantic Ocean once again!

     Next trip, I assured myself to ‘sea’ a ‘sunset’ from there, while looking over the very water my ancestors traveled. 

Postscript:

     As I write this, months after the journey’s end, I find myself getting emotional. 

     Alot has changed in those months since. A painfully lost friendship over words and misunderstandings, while surgeries and medical procedures were commonplace. Yet my dreams of returning haven’t weaned. 

     Love doesn’t seem as elusive as it once was, as there is someone special now. And another someone special, that will always be there. While the one I thought was there, is now gone without even a whisper since February. 

     No sentimental foolishness here. I say ‘Thank You’s’ to my grandfather who let me sit on his lap, as a seven-year-old. We watched Tigers pitcher Mickey Lolich hit his only career homerun in the 1968 World Series. I also thank my grandmother who insisted on getting out of the car. She did this whenever we came to a railroad crossing. She would walk across the tracks out of fear. This was for that long ago, but never completely forgotten, first trip east. 

     From them, I’ve learned to love a game. I fear no train. All the while, their love for me was unwavering and strong. It had to have been, as I was their #Lucky13.

     I will survive through it all, because life is too short to be sitting on a bench wondering what if. ‘What if’s’ be damned, I’m alive! 

     Casey Dacanay (Celine Dion’s song is as much for you as for me). Our end brought us both a new beginning. I owe you more than one can imagine. You cared, shared and inspired. I probably never would have ventured to Boston or started this website without you. Just another something you unknowingly gave. I wish you well on your return to life in front of the cameras and crowds.

UPDATE: Skywalker, I sense The Force ‘inside you’ is strong and added Congratulations are in order. I understand now. Your peace is assured. But remember I’m here. You’ll forever be my nominee for ‘Mother of the Year’ and hold a special place in my heart. Love Me Anyways

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