I want to share a recent, new, unexpected experience that I have recently had. I speak of the World Baseball Challenge. I had never been to a baseball game, never mind one with world-class players. They are something to see. I noticed a man in the crowd with a radar gun to measure ball speed. I saw 89 mph from one pitcher (rumour has it they are scouts).
I would have never thought that I would watch baseball with bated breath, but I do. I do not know all the rules, but it doesn't take long to figure out the basics, and appreciate plays that are super human, and plays that are pure flubs. I now whoo with the crowd on near misses, cheer on balls hit out of the park, and give a sound of pain on an unfavourable call from the ump.
The environment is friendly, happy and full of energy. Who was to know there is humour during the game? The clips of music between plays have thematic words that describe the last play. ("Another one bites the dust", "I walk the line", etc. There is food at reasonable prices. Who would have thought of serving warm tacos in a bag. Popcorn smells great.
Anyhow, I highly recommend this experience, especially if you have never been a spectator at a high calibre baseball game.
You might be surprised, I certainly was.
Gail Stevenson
Prince George
