Ever since August 2005 when Weena and I found out we were having a baby boy I have been waiting for this moment. Today I took Benjamin to his first baseball game between the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park. At age six and a half this was the perfect time to introduce him to the grand old game live and in person. It involved the Orioles, who I grew up watching since the Washington Senators moved to Texas in 1971, and the Nationals, who started play in DC in 2005, the year Ben was born.
Friday night I hit Stub Hub, secured a pair of tickets in the upper deck and we were set. Originally my idea was to bring my camera and get as many shots of both teams as I could but once I got there, I decided to concentrate on Ben's actions and emotions.
Since I am a fan of both teams, we rooted for the Nats today and when we go to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, we will root for the Orioles there. Today the Nats had their ace Stephen Strasburg on the mound and the ball park was packed. The Orioles got off to a 3-0 lead after two innings and I thought we wouldn't see very much of Strasburg. But the Nats, looking at a three game sweep by the Orioles, woke up and scored the next nine runs and cruised to a 9-3 victory. They hit three homers, including one by Strasburg, his first major league homer.
It was an incredible experience for me personally. Ben had a great time, calling this one of the greatest days ever. Made me proud. We will be back to Nats Park again soon and we have plans to see the Orioles this Summer in Baltimore.
Box Score
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| Ben enjoying a hot dog before the game |
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| Nats pitcher Stephen Strasburg |
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| Ben soaking up the action |
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| The view from Section 312, Row D, Seats 7 & 8 |
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| Nationals Park |
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| Ben excited after the Nats tied the score at 3-3 |
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| Ben focused (note you can see the Capitol in the background) |
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| Ben wearing Dad's Nats hat |
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| Nats pitcher Tom Gorzelanny |
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| Orioles pitcher Darren O'Day |
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| Nats pitcher Tyler Clippard |
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| Nats turn a double play to end the game. |
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| Nats win 9-3! |
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| A happy Ben after the game |
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