Back to the Ballpark

THE OL' BALL GAME: We had been looking to April 15 for months. Since last October, specifically. And no, of *course* not. We were not looking forward to it because it's typically known as Tax Day. No, we were looking forward to it because this year it was the Seattle Mariners' home opener.

Actually, the home opener was supposed to be a couple weeks earlier, but there was a lockout by the MLB owners threatening the entire season. Fortunately, that resolved, and we were back to the ballpark, better late than never!

The sun shone down over the ball park, and it wasn't particularly cold out. Pretty lucky for a baseball game in Seattle in mid-April.

April 15 is always special in MLB because, thanks in large part to the efforts of Ken Griffey Junior, it is known as Jackie Robinson Day. Robinson became the first African American to play in the major leagues on April 15, 1947. Now, every April 15, all MLB players wear the number 42, Jackie's number. 

Annabelle was representing, wearing a Jackie jersey for the occasion.

We were treated to an opening pitch from Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki, who will be in the Hall of Fame in a couple of years. He arrived in full uniform, and smoked the pitch in at a reported 96 miles per hour - allegedly the fastest opening pitch ever recorded.

It was a fantastic game for Mariners' fans! The Mariners clobbered the Astros 11 to 1!

As the final inning was being played out, the moon made an appearance over right field.

While Christian, Annabelle, Kennedy and I enjoyed watching the game as spectators, CJ was busy working his tail off. He's back working guest services for the Mariners this season. Go CJ and Go Mariners!