Josh, the Jake, and Me = Perfect Father's Day

If memories are the one thing that you can take with you when our time is finished here, then this is one that I'll treasure forever. The little guy enjoyed his first major league ballgame this afternoon, and I truly can't think of any other way that I could have enjoyed Father's Day more than hanging out with him at the ballpark.

We got up there a bit late- right around the 2nd inning. We stopped to have this photo taken, which was Josh's present to me. Next, we spotted the Tribe's mascot, whom Josh immediately recognized as none other than the infamous Slider. After a short hug from him, we then stood in line for what seemed like an eternity for some hot dogs and sodas. By the time we reached the front of the line, Josh looked at me and said that I shouldn't tip the guys working the concession stand because they were too slow! Anyway, once that was done, we headed for our seats.

I had warned Josh that our seats were in the upper deck, and that we would be fairly high up. The look in his eyes as we came through the tunnel and first saw the scoreboard was simply priceless. Josh kept asking me when "the song" was going to be played. All the way up to Cleveland, we practiced "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" so that Josh could belt it out loud and strong when the time came. By the end of the 7th inning, he was really getting into the game. The guys in front of us were beginning to heckle the Brave's pitcher- in a classy sort of way (thank goodness)- and soon Josh began to parrot them..."yeah, c'mon chump...walk the dude!" ("Hey dad, what's a chump?") and on, and on, and on...

And what would a great Indian's victory be if Borowski doesn't come out, give up a few hits, come close to loading the bases, and then finally squeak out yet another save. The short little fireworks display capped off for my son what was simply an awesome time. Thanks for a memorable day, Josh. I love you with all my heart, son.