BASEBALL IS SUMMER

Now that hockey season is over, it's time to turn my full attention to baseball. I say full attention because it starts during hockey season and I do follow both. Baseball is summer! A hot day, a good game and a cold beer makes for a great day or night out.

Our family follows baseball on several levels. Both kids play and you can find me taking pictures of them and their teammates. I also have become the bullpen catcher for my youngest son's team. When we're not at the kid's games we still have lots of options. We can go to see the Orioles and Nationals or several of their farm teams without driving to far. We are also lucky enough to have a great college summer league nearby. We can be found at most Bethesda Big Train home games. They play in the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League. This is a summer wood bat league for players from all over the country. It's a great night out for the family. You can't get much closer unless you're out on the field. The players are great and take time to talk to the kids. Try that at a MLB game!

We've been following this team for about 5 years now and have purchased a season ticket for the family this year and last year. These games provide a fan and family fun experience. There's a nightly raffle with some great prizes. The money this team raises is used to improve youth baseball fields in the area. I highly recommend taking the family out for a great night of amateur baseball.

So, just remember, we all have our heroes but they don't all have to be paid to play. Take the kids out to a game and let them say hello to a player and be thrilled when the player says hello back. So go to a game and you just might make some new friends.

P.S. If you live in other parts of the country, check the following website for listings of other college summer leagues:

http://www.pgcrosschecker.com/summer?summer.aspx