Today is Father’s Day, and around MLB that means the light blue of prostate cancer awareness is everywhere; players, coaches, managers and umpires will all be donning wrist bands, tattoos, and eye-black to increase awareness for the importance of early detection.  Additionally, the “Keep Dad in the Game Home Run Challenge” will ensure that all home runs hit today will raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Also, all around the league today, Dad’s will be enjoying the game with their children, passing along their baseball knowledge and undoubtedly stories of their youth.  I love our game…it transcends generations and truly is a part of the fabric of America.

Baseball was a huge part of our family when I was a child…I spent countless hours as a little girl at the ball field, watching my older brothers’ games and waiting for the time when I would be old enough to join a team and start playing.  I also cherish memories of our family going to Major League games, and staring in awe at how gigantic  and beautiful the field was!  We went to games in Cincinnati, Kansas City, Minneapolis, and my favorite, St. Louis. I still remember how excited I would get when Ozzie Smith would take the field and do a backflip!

This is my first baseball memory…I was about 3 years old, my brother had just received his new uniform and before he had a chance to try it on, I beat him to it! I was ready to play, Woody Woodpecker slippers and all!

And even when we couldn’t go to games, I have wonderful memories of listening to the Cardinals on the radio with my dad…painting the picture of the game in my mind as we listened to Jack Buck call the game.  So where am I going with this…baseball is the ultimate backdrop for building memories.   So on this Father’s Day, my hope is that we all cherish our memories and remember that every moment is the opportunity to create new ones!

 
Happy Fathers Day to all of the dad’s out there!  And to my Dad, you are the best pops any girl could dream to have!  Thank you for teaching me to follow my passion and instilling in me the importance of compassion, the value of hard work, and the belief that anything is possible!  I love you!