As a 9 year old little leaguer living in the Bay Area Fremont CA at the time (before moving to La Habra in So Cal a few years later) my first MLB game was a double header at Candlestick Park. The Giants vs the Pirates.
I still remember walking in and seeing the perfectly groomed infield and outfield deep green grass, and the perfectly dragged infield dirt that looked like you’d be taking a ground ball off of glass. Immediately I noticed the way these pros effortlessly threw in warm ups and how fast, crisp and accurate their throws were. I was in heaven.
Among others the Giants had Willie Mays, Bobby Bonds, Willie McCovey and Juan Marichal. The Pirates Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell and Matty Alou.
We had seats field level between home plate and first base. Willie McCovey (left handed) hit an opposite field monster home run that looked like it was stuck in the blue sky for an eternity before landing in the left bleachers.
Beautiful memories that were a catalyst for my love of the game and spurred me on to play through high school a game that I loved.
I never had the skills but have had a love for the game. Thanks for this trip down memory lane. My first pro game was also at Dodger Stadium.
Fortunately for me I still get to be a part of the game. For a time it was with a score book and now with a microphone. Not a bad deal if you can get it.
Great post! It seems the world is too fast-paced for baseball these days. I was a Cub fan back then, and loved it when Earnie Banks would say..."Let's play two"!
As a 9 year old little leaguer living in the Bay Area Fremont CA at the time (before moving to La Habra in So Cal a few years later) my first MLB game was a double header at Candlestick Park. The Giants vs the Pirates.
I still remember walking in and seeing the perfectly groomed infield and outfield deep green grass, and the perfectly dragged infield dirt that looked like you’d be taking a ground ball off of glass. Immediately I noticed the way these pros effortlessly threw in warm ups and how fast, crisp and accurate their throws were. I was in heaven.
Among others the Giants had Willie Mays, Bobby Bonds, Willie McCovey and Juan Marichal. The Pirates Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell and Matty Alou.
We had seats field level between home plate and first base. Willie McCovey (left handed) hit an opposite field monster home run that looked like it was stuck in the blue sky for an eternity before landing in the left bleachers.
Beautiful memories that were a catalyst for my love of the game and spurred me on to play through high school a game that I loved.
Wow, Mark! Sounds like a great day with some baseball heroes in a Classic park.
Interestingly, after college I move to the City for a short time; I got to see Joe Montana and the 9ers at The Stick in ‘83.
Very memorable.
It wasn’t summer until we heard from Vinnie.
I never had the skills but have had a love for the game. Thanks for this trip down memory lane. My first pro game was also at Dodger Stadium.
Fortunately for me I still get to be a part of the game. For a time it was with a score book and now with a microphone. Not a bad deal if you can get it.
You are blessed! Still in the game at your age ;-)
Great post! It seems the world is too fast-paced for baseball these days. I was a Cub fan back then, and loved it when Earnie Banks would say..."Let's play two"!
Thanks, Jim. I can almost smell the cigar smoke to this day. Back then, baseball was baseball. And I know you get that. #GoDodgers