We went to games while we were dating. When we married in July 1994, we had very little money and no time to take off of work, so we didn't have a "real" honeymoon. We went to a Rangers game at the then-new Ballpark in Arlington with family and friends.
(We took our delayed honeymoon five years later, when we spent a glorious week in Paris and Munich.)
Eric, Liz and Steve at the Ballpark in the late '90s
We watched the Rangers in spring training in Port Charlotte, Fla., with Matthew and Gretchen.
Steve, Tyra and baby Cooper at the Ballpark, August 2001
When Cooper was about six weeks old, we took him to his first Rangers game. I'll never forget that outing, mostly because it was the first time that Cooper slept through the night -- 11 hours.
After we moved to Frisco, we spent more time watching the RoughRiders (a AA affiliate of the Rangers) in person. The field is 10 minutes from our house, it's inexpensive, the parking is easy.
To be honest, I never expected to see the Rangers in a World Series. I love the team, but, like most fans understand, there's little hope after August.
This series, ending with tonight's awesome win, has been emotional for me. What I selfishly want is Steve in this room, hopping up and down, exclaiming with excitement, explaining plays to Cooper and Katie.
If heaven works the way I hope it does, Steve has been watching the games from behind home plate. And I know where he'll be during the World Series.
Cooper on Monday, wearing Steve's Rangers jersey
He has the best seat in the house. :)
ReplyDelete