Our National Pastime - A Patriot's Journey
One of the many wonderful things I love about America is baseball. And despite the popularity in this country of gridiron football and basketball, also American-bred sports, it’s still the game that most Americans recognize as their “national pastime.”
While we don’t have a major league team in Sacramento, we are blessed to host a fine triple-A team, the Sacramento River Cats. We can go out to Raley Field during the summer, enjoy hotdogs, peanuts, beer - even “salmon tacos” - and watch some great Pacific League baseball. And if that doesn’t give us our fill, an hour and a half away are the Oakland A’s and the San Francisco Giants.
I snapped this image from our seats at Raley Field during one of our family outings. It’s a great venue and fun for the whole family. It’s no wonder it’s America’s “national pastime.”
For an extensive history of baseball, jump over to this site. And remember to check out the other Patriotic Journeyers… JimK, Scott, Larry, Drumwaster, and Cosmicbabe.
Doug
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Reader Comments (7)
The only trouble with baseball, and most other professional sports in this country, is that the battle between teams for the best players (at any cost and for obscene salaries) has so escalated the cost of tickets that the average family can no longer afford trips to the ball park like they could when baseball was our "pastime". The stands are far from filled for most games and those that do attend are forced to finance the multi-million dollar salaries of players, some of whom are mediocre at best.
Unfortunately, I see no relief for the fans and only higher salaries for the players. Pity.
Great seats!!!
You are very lucky to have a baseball park nearby. The picture looks like you have perfect seats too.
My father used to take me and my brother to watch ball games when we were all pretty young. I don't remember much about the games, but I remember the sounds and the smells and the excitement and what a good time we had with my father. I haven't been to a game in many years but maybe I'll meke a point of it this year.
Makes me want to gather up the kids and go "out to the old ball game!"
A very nice article and photo. I always enjoy reading your site.
Damn, makes me want to go to a ball game!
I must tell you that I am very much enjoying your Patriot series! I hope you continue it beyond Independence Day.