My Greatest Baseball Experience

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Today was the greatest baseball day for me. Let’s list off great highlights of the day.

1. Watching my first ever LIVE grand slam (Victor Martinez)
2. Receiving four Boston Red Sox player’s autographs (Jonathan Papelbon, Paul Byrd, Josh Beckett, Dusty Brown)
3. Catching (and fighting for) a Boston Red Sox player’s first career home run baseball
4. Gaining the privilege to enter the Boston Red Sox player’s parking lot

I have never been a greater fan than right now during the Boston Red Sox’s 2009 regular season.

It was the bottom of the eighth inning with two outs and no one on base. It was Dusty Brown’s turn at bat. Then all of a sudden, he hits a big one right onto the Green Monster. Instinctively, I quickly calculated the baseball’s trajectory and its estimated landing area. Suddenly, I was wrestling with five to six other fans for the baseball. Then in a few short moments, I emerged victorious with the baseball in hand. It all happened so fast as I can feel my heart racing as I was cheered on by the section. High fives were offered here and there.

I was given information that it was Dusty Brown’s first major league career home run and hit. I was dumbfounded as I was also told that security might visit me soon to ask for the baseball. True to the word, security arrived and escorted me to the Boston Red Sox player’s locker room. As I left the Green Monster, people were congratulating me and offering high fives. I was then asked to go with another guard.

As we walked through the concourse, the guard briefly explained what is going to happen. In return for the baseball, I would be able to request some items within reason. All of this was happening so fast and before I knew it, I was at the door to the player’s locker room. I followed the guard to the player’s parking lot.

I was asked to wait in the area for a few minutes. After a few minutes, a Boston Red Sox official arrived and asked what I wanted. I was still overwhelmed by the excitement of catching my first ever home run baseball. The official had just received an autographed ball from the starting pitcher for the game, Josh Beckett. The official asked if it was a deal. I was lost in thought and the official suggested I accept the deal.

I now have an autographed baseball from Josh Beckett. I asked if I can have a picture with Dusty Brown. The official did not object to it and asked another guard, Ryan, to watch over me. The guard was very friendly and courteous. He congratulated me.

Ryan further explained a few rules of being a fan with the privilege to be in the player’s parking lot.  I cannot ask for autographs from players nor can I have a picture taken with them. I did not object to the conditions as they are Major League Baseball standards. I was escorted to where all the players parked their cars. I was in awe as I’d never imagine the players driving such big luxurious cars.

I really had no idea how long I was waiting but I did not mind. As I was waiting, I can hear to the tunes of “Dirty Water” by the The Standells as the Boston Red Sox have won the game. Ryan then told me that it would be very busy as the players would be getting ready to leave. A Boston Police officer told me that he sits in the Boston Red Sox player’s dugout during every game. I was in awe at his privilege.

Slowly, I saw the players and Jerry Remy leaving the parking lot. In no particular order, I saw the following players in the parking lot:

Brian Anderson
Jonathan Papelbon
Hideki Okajima
Dustin Pedroia
Kevin Youkilis
Alex Gonzalez
Victor Martinez

I politely asked Ryan if would be not too much if I may have Dusty Brown’s game used hat to commemorate this special occasion. He discussed with some guards over the radio. A few minutes passed and I was told that I would not be able to have it. He was, however, able to procure the cleanest baseball I had ever seen. He suggested that I’d ask Dusty Brown to autograph it. I also learned from Ryan that pens are best for autographing baseballs. I reached into my right pocket and retrieved a Pentel R.S.V.P. fine point black pen.

After a few minutes, the man of the night arrives. Ryan introduces me as the person who caught (and fought for) his first career home run baseball. I asked him how it feels and he tells me it is a great feeling. He asked if I wanted him to autograph the baseball in my hand. I replied yes and handed him the baseball and pen. Ryan then took a picture of us. I congratulated Dusty Brown and he went his way.

I asked Ryan what was next on the list and he told me that I can leave now. He escorted me to the corner of Van Ness Street and Yawkey Way. I then walked home happy and content that I received two autographed baseballs and had a picture taken with the man of the night.

On the way home, I thought up something: I should have asked if I can stay until all the players leave. Sadly, however, I was half way home. I then thought to myself, “Savor the moment and be moderate in what you request.”

This about concludes the greatest baseball day I experienced to date. I look forward to more great baseball memories and stories in the future.