2023

2023 was another year where I didn't travel for baseball, well kinda. It was a year of family and kids and work. The casualty being the once constant obsession to travel the country seeing stadiums and games. Such is life I suppose. What I did was still enjoyable. As I recall it I went to 3 games in total, which is a far cry from what this blog used to be about. 

Number one was game #1 of the 2023 season, the home opener at that. April 7th. Afternoon tilt against the hated Astros. It was a Sunny day and but boy howdy was it cold. Winter jackets, hats, and hand warmers. We got someone to pick the kids up from School and stayed the whole way through. It went extras. Twins won it in a walk off in the 10th. A story book beginning to the season which was fun. All the fans a twitter. Wish I could carelessly root for this team like 20 years ago, but they have continued to have a formula to be competitive with out being relevant every October. I'm thinking about softening my scrutiny and just enjoying the journey in the future, but that's a skill I've not yet mastered. 

Number two was a Mother's Day game between the Twins and the Cubs at Target Field. Very grateful to have seen the cubs in town. We had decent seats on the 3rd base side trending toward outfield. Was something of an oops as it was real thought for Joe to see. Forgot that he was small. Still a great game, great weather. First time we'd 'enjoyed' a game as a family probably. Twins lost and we were sorta bummed as we still carry Cubs Fan Memberships after our Chicago stint and the World Series experience. No shade on the Twins, still root for them at every opportunity they try. Anyway, great day...and I apparently didn't get a photo. 

My 2023 baseball journey was highlighted by a Boyz trip to Dyersville, IA to visit the field and its dreams. This was a trip to give Molly a break after my constant work travel and it held up. It was manicured, cared for, understated, and awesome. Vinny stayed up late with me the night before and watch a chunk of the movie and I really treasured the experience. Probably the first time I'd watched the movie as a dad and it had new meaning. Not going to fully convert this blog into a parenting forum, so I'll stop there. If you ever enjoyed that movie and have the opportunity I highly recommend stopping by Dyersville. It's one of those quietly awesome things that people have created and preserved. Totes worth appreciating. 

My 2nd and last baseball game of 2023 was a Twins v Pirates game on a late August night. Molly and Joe had gone to WI for some family stuff and some of my dearest friends loved attending Jimmy Buffet night at Target field. If you know me, you know Jimmy has always been a thing for me (thanks to my dad). I hate committing to plans, but eventually bought some tickets and met a gaggle of friends I've had the pleasure of doing life with for 20+ years. It was a hot night and the Jimmy Buffet spirit was in the air. While I obstained form much of the 'buzz' that every one was getting, I very much enjoyed watching Vin go full party mode and embrace extrovert attitude. He and MarkyJ got on the Jumbotron a couple of times and it was a RIOT. Another memory I'll never forget. Great Night. Pirates won...