Parker’s First Trip to Fenway

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I was born and raised in Southeastern New England, and as such, I’ve been a die-hard Red Sox fan as long as I can remember. Up until a few years ago, this was a tragic-yet-noble badge I wore with pride. But with 2 World Series trophies in the past 4 years, it’s something I’ve taken off my sleeve and put in my pocket. There’s so many Red Sox fans out there these days, I don’t mind keeping my fandom to myself as much as possible.

This doesn’t mean I didn’t spend time brainwashing my family, of course. I’m proud to say that my wife (who’s lived in PA all her life) and both my children are all serious Red Sox fans now as well. I like to think that being a Sox fan is in your blood - a genetic gift I passed on to my children at conception - but no matter how they became infected, they are now. And that’s a good thing.

I’d been to Fenway a handful of times growing up. I was there on Opening Day in 1988 when new reliever Lee Smith gave up a game winning homer to the Detroit Tigers. My first trip as an adult was in 2004 when I took my wife for the first time. Erica loved the experience, and was excited to go again this year as we had decided it was time for Parker to see his first game at Fenway. Kylie opted to stay home because she finds 3-hour baseball games a bit boring, and she had a better offer from her grandma to help bake her own birthday cake (but she still loves the Sox).

We purchased tickets for July 11th a few months ago, and as luck would have it, this happened to be the same night that Red Sox Foundation Volunteers were being honored during the pre-game ceremonies. My brother Josh had volunteered for the Foundation during the first half of the season (my bro Jordan helped out also), and as a reward, he was allowed to take a guest up to the seats over the Green Monstah during batting practice. Since his family was in from out of town, they let us all go up there.

From left to right that’s me, Parker, and my two brothers Jordan and Josh. Yes, there is only a small railing keeping people from falling onto the field. Yes, in that picture my left hand is holding Parker very tightly. Between the tiny railing and the home runs balls being pelted our way, it wasn’t the time to relax and soak everything in. In fact, my wife Erica and my sister Karyn were scared the entire time. It was pretty awesome being up there though.

The only ball that came near us was a blast off of Youkilis’ bat. It sailed a few feet over Josh’s head, caromed off the cement stairs, and flew back down onto the field. Here we are begging relievers Javy Lopez and Manny DelCarmen to throw the ball back to up to us. They did not.

The aforementioned sister Karyn on the left and wife Erica on the right hanging out on Yawkey Way before the game. As you can see, it’s a sea of Red Sox paraphernalia out there. You can also see a beer sign in the background, but what you can’t see is how much a 12-oz cup of beer will cost you. Want to know? How about $7.50. I’ll stick to swallowing my own spit, thank you very much.

Here’s the picture of the boys on Yawkey Way. Parker is all smiles after a couple of $7.50 beers. (i kid, of course)

Our seats were in the centerfield bleachers, where Parker followed along surprisingly well with the action. His eyes lit up when we walked up the runway and were so close to the field. That was cool to watch. He loved seeing Papelbon, Manny, and Big Papi in person (even though Papi didn’t play.) He also loved watching the wave go around.

He did not love seeing Clay Buchholz throw 29 pitches in the first inning. He also did not love the call that Tim Eddings made at 1B when he called Julio Lugo out on a ground ball.

I mean, look at this. Might the worst out/safe call I’ve EVER seen. We were hollering from the bleachers for a while after that one.

In the end we had a great night. The Sox lost 7-3, but we made a bunch of memories we’ll always have. It was so cool to be able to take my son to Fenway Park just like my dad did with me.

And that’s one more reason to love sports, for the special moments like this that it gives us.

What about y’all? Do you remember your first trip out to a game with your parents? Planning a special memory with your kids someday? Love to hear about it.