Growing up, the very first sport that my family introduced me to was baseball. But not just any baseball, I'm talking about Philadelphia Phillies baseball. My dad says that when I was two weeks old, he sat me on his lap and I watched my first Phillies game. Then came the learning of how to catch and throw a ball. And shortly after that, learning how to swing and hit the ball. When my brother was born, my family taught him just like they had taught me. It seems like most American families tend to do the same as my family did with my brother and I.
Many people say that baseball is the traditional American sport. And I would have to agree. There is no experience in the world quite like seeing your very first ball game in a major league stadium. The feeling of excitement as you walk through a crowd of people, all dressed to support the home team, can be very overwhelming. Walking up those big stadium steps, heading towards your seats...hot dog in hand of course... and finally viewing the field for the very first time is pretty surreal.
I don't exactly remember my very first Phillies game. My parents took my brother and I to so many games that I can't really remember my first. We have created so many memories for ourselves going to the ballpark over the years, especially going to Veterans Stadium, when it was still around. Like the time when my mom and brother were on the jumbo tron. Or the fourth of July where we got to watch fireworks on the field. Or even the time where a Chicago Cubs outfielder threw my brother a ball during batting practice. I'd have to say that my all time favorite memory from Veterans Stadium was getting to meet John Kruk.
When I was really little (and yes I'm talking about when I was younger and not referencing my small size), the one Phillies player who's name always stood out to me was first baseman John Kruk. My family still teases me to this day about me going around the house chanting "John KRUK, John KRUK" whenever being asked who my favorite baseball player was. The last game I ever saw at Veterans Stadium happened to be a fan appreciation game, and we had heard that a couple of former Phillies players were walking around the stadium. As soon as we walked up the stairs into the stadium, we saw a crowd of people circled around someone. It was the "Kruker" signing autographs. Meeting my favorite childhood baseball player is something that I will never forget.
Whether it's watching your favorite baseball team on TV, being at the game, or even having a catch in the back yard with your dad, baseball is something special and I do believe that baseball is the traditional American sport. So throw out the first pitch and play ball!
