Happy Offseason!

The Cubs were coming to Atlanta.  My niece and nephew had never seen their Dad's Cubs in person.  My brother, niece, and nephew have been to several Phillies games with me in the last few years, and we watch our local triple A team, the Charlotte Knights, whenever possible. This would be their first experience watching their Dad's Cubs.

We piled into the car early Saturday with the intent of getting ahead of Atlanta traffic.  We were hoping to get a few autographs before the game, and I was hoping to get enough great shots of the Cubs that I could make them a Cubs photo book.

The June sun made the minutes we waited to see players seem like they were in slow motion.  The kids waited with their sharpies and their baseballs and were blessed with signatures from Kyle Hendricks and Tim Federowicz.  When my brother and the kids decided to go to their seats, I went over to left field so I could take some pictures of the starting pitcher and catcher before the game.  Unlike the rainy day we were at Turner Field to see one of my favorite pitchers, Roy Halladay, today we had blue sky and bright sunshine to see one of my brother's favorite pitchers, Jake Arrieta.  

Despite the heat we had a blast enjoying the game.  The Cubs won, I got lots of great pictures, and we enjoyed our hot dogs and popcorn.  It was pretty awesome to carry on the family tradition of baseball.

I have always loved baseball because it connects my past to my present and gives me moments to look forward to in my future.  I have loved the memories my brother and I share of baseball with my Dad before he got cancer, and that we get to share our love of baseball with his children.  I love the stories of players and their struggles and their triumphs.  I love that every time I turn around I make a new friend because of baseball.  I love that I get to combine baseball with my love of photography and share my photos with others.  Baseball allows me to forget all my concerns for a short while and get lost in the story of the game.  Baseball helps this teacher keep balance in her life.

I have always loved watching the pitchers because they direct the game.  The teacher in me can relate to the pressures they face.  I admire their strategy, confidence, and perseverance.  They have to keep track of multiple situations at the same time, and their success depends on how well their teammates support their efforts.  I admire their ability to adapt to change.  I admire their ability to learn from their mistakes.  

My goal every day when I walk into my classroom is to teach with major league effort.  I also have learned the importance of the offseason.  I wish all my teacher friends an awesome offseason!

Dear Bret Boone,

I grew up in the Chicago suburbs.  My Dad loved baseball and enjoyed sharing his love for his Cubs with my brother and me. 

One day my Dad and I were watching the Phillies play the Cubs on our 13 inch black and white television.  The Phillies were behind 13-2, and I think it was the second inning. Greg Luzinski was up to bat.  My Dad asked me, "Who do you think is going to win, Ellen?"  Without hesitation I said, "I think the Phillies are going to win, Dad."  

They won in extra innings that day, 18-16, and I have been a Phillies fan ever since. Thanks to Google, I know that day was April 17, 1976.  From that moment on, my Mom and I cheered for her hometown Phillies, and my Dad and brother continued to cheer for their Cubs.  

On special occasions we got to see games at Wrigley Field.  I don't remember any statistics from those games.  I do recall Ernie Banks smiling at us on the cover of every scorecard, my Dad teaching us how to keep score, and crying if the Phillies lost.  My Dad would hug me and reassure me that it wasn't the end of the world.  

One time he got us seats by the Phillies bullpen.  Some Cubs fans were teasing Tug McGraw about a recent aftershave commercial he had done.  I got mad and yelled at them and told them to leave my Tug alone.  I will never forget Tug McGraw winking at me when my Dad got me to sit back down.  I also remember watching Ron Reed warm up that day and thinking he must be as tall as a giant.

When the Phillies won the series in 1980, our Philadelphia family members sent me clippings and other souvenirs.  My Mom made signs celebrating the Phillies with Peanuts characters.  I was so excited to see pictures of all my favorite players and read about them.  I recall being upset when I discovered many years later that those clippings had disintegrated.  Fortunately, my original stuffed Phanatic from 1980 did survive my many moves:)

I started reading your book earlier this week, and I couldn't put it down.  For the two days I spent reading it, I was a child in Chicago again, my parents were still healthy, and I got lost in the inside stories of the Boone family.  It was the most wonderful respite for me.  I enjoyed your descriptions of your family relationships the most.  I believe this book isn't just a must read for Phillies fans.  Your book is a must read for anyone who truly loves the game of baseball.  I can't thank you enough for writing it.  I will continue to spread the good word about your story.

Please thank your brother and your Dad for me for being part of so many families' baseball stories.  While I was reading it, I really felt like I knew your Grandfather, too.

I am tagging many of my teacher friends who love baseball with the hope that they have the opportunity to read it this summer as well.

Thanks again. 

Your friend in North Carolina,

Ellen

Dear Phillippe Aumont,

It is April 3, 2013.  My brother, niece, nephew, and I are making our way on a cloudy and chilly day to Turner Field.  It's my niece and nephew's first major league game.  I'm excited beyond measure because my memories of going to Wrigley with my Dad and my brother are some of my most cherished.  I can't wait for my niece and nephew to experience similar adventures with their Dad.  I know I will take a bazillion pictures...I'm always on a mission to get that one amazing shot.  I dream of sharing those pictures with Phillies charities one day.  

The four of us park, equipped with our rain gear and full of anticipation.  We know rain is a possibility, but we remain optimistic.  We stop to take pictures by Greg Maddux's number because my brother has been a Cubs fan his whole life.  Then we purchase our tickets and enter the stadium.  I pull out my camera as we approach the left field wall.  Our jaws drop in awe.  My hands are shaking.  When I am at the ballpark, my 9 year old self, who first became a Phillies fan because of Greg Luzinski, can't process her excitement.  At times, I can't even speak because I can't believe I'm watching my favorite team in person.  I start clicking away, amazed that so many of my favorite players are here.  

I think the teacher in me has always loved watching the pitchers the most.  I appreciate their ability to lead the game, their strategy for each batter, and the strength they exhibit in all circumstances.  I am inspired by their perseverance.

My niece and nephew are just happy to be here, holding their gloves, and taking in the beauty of the field and all the activity.  Because I am like a kid at Disney taking my pictures, forgetting my own problems, I don't see that you have thrown me a ball.  I drop the ball.  Before I have time to process that I have missed this opportunity to give my niece and nephew an amazing souvenir, you come back and throw me the ball again.  Thankfully, this time I caught it.  I am sure you have done this countless times in your career, but on that day, you made a lifelong memory for my niece and nephew.  I will never forget the looks on their faces. I can never thank you enough for giving me a second chance to catch that ball.

The Phillies didn't win that day.  We were so excited to see Roy Halladay, and we hoped he felt our support despite his struggles.  The rain at times was relentless, but we laughed ourselves silly.  We were excited when Chase Utley hit a home run, and I was thrilled to have the chance to thank Gregg Murphy in person for his efforts and the other broadcasters' efforts to bring the Phillies home to fans each game.

My niece noticed as soon as she looked at her program that she was born on your birthday.  Both of the kids drew me pictures when we returned to our friends' home where we were staying in Atlanta.  My nephew drew a picture of Roy Halladay, and my niece drew a picture of all the Phillies, including you, lining up to talk with the two of us.  

When I heard this Spring that the White Sox had signed you I was thrilled that I would have the chance to see you pitch again as a Charlotte Knight.  I made the mistake of assuming I would have the chance to thank you in person this summer.  

I am also grateful for the conversation we had a year later when I gave you pictures my first graders had drawn when you were an Ironpig.  You helped me get over my Phillies jitters that day.

I will always be a Phillippe Aumont fan.  I am confident that whatever God has planned for you next, you are going to be a positive influence on all those who cross your path. Thanks for all you did for the Phillies and for baseball.

Your friend in North Carolina,

Ellen