golfkat Travel Blog

As a kid, I always wanted to go to a major league All Star  baseball game. There was not much chance back then, as we only had the Dodgers and Giants for many years on the west coast.  I had the chance in 1989 in Anaheim, when I was able to get some tickets while on a trip back east.  My son, then age 8, was overjoyed, and as thrilled as I would have been as a child.  We made our plans to fly down, stay in a hotel, go to all the All Star festivities, spend a day in Disneyland, and fly home.
 
We arrived on Sunday, and went to the Angels Twins game.  Monday, we attended the All Star practice, and contests, though they did not have a home run contest at the time.  We spent the whole day at the ball park, and got to meet Joe DiMaggio.  Little did we know who else we might meet, up close and personal.
 
The game itself was Tuesday evening, so we spent the day at Disneyland.  We heard that the day before, the families of the players got the royal treatment at Disneyland, as many rides were closed to the public.  We finally made our way to the ball park in mid afternoon.  The excitement was building, since we both wanted to leave Disneyland for the ball park.
 
A full stadium, decked out in red, white and blue banners, fans cheering for their favorites, and TV personalities all over the field!!!  It was very exciting, as the game began.  After the Nationals scored a run, the Americans came up, and promptly hit back to back home runs.  It was Wade Boggs, and Bo Jackson, and the crowd went wild.  It was an exciting game, and many of our Oakland A’s All Stars were playing.  The only thing missing were some autographs that my son wanted of his favorite A’s players.
 
We arrived at the OC airport the next morning for the short flight home to Oakland.  Though my son seemed a little sad about the autographs, he was happy that we attended the game.  All of a sudden, we realized three A’s players are sitting next to us:  Terry Steinbach, Mike Moore, and Dave Stewart.  My son was just ecstatic, and started talking to them.  He finally worked up enough nerve to ask for autographs.  Then the fun really started.
 
They introduce Matt, first to Mark McGwire, then to Reggie Jackson, who was retired by then.  After getting their autographs, they all stood around Matt, talking, teasing him, and asking him about his baseball exploits.  I don’t think I ever saw a happier 8 year old.
 
When it was time to board, we said our goodbyes, and boarded.  When the players entered the plane, they all walked down the aisle and waived at Matt like old friends.  I don’t think his feet touched the floor the entire flight!!!
 
Over the years, the story gets a little forgotten.  But at that time, it was magical for my son.  Though his love of baseball was replaced by golf, I hope he always remembers that weekend, and that day so that he can pass it on someday to his son.