seventh inning stretch

I love baseball.

I can't play the game worth a darn. But I just love watching a good game.

I even remember the first game my dad took me to. We were seated along the first base line, but well in to the outfield. Rusty Staub was in the outfield for the Tiger's back then. From where we sat, he was the only player I could really see.

Ahhh, the things we remember...
I still love going to the game. The sights... the sounds... the smell of hot dogs and popcorn across a warm summer night.

And thanks to the way the Tigers are playing, I love the sense of anticipation leading up to a game. It is fun to feel that buzz and excitement when walking toward the CoPa.

"So, who's gonna step up today?," is asked and answered by every third grade boy and his dad as they walk through the turnstile.

Its the same feeling I have training for this triathlon. "So, who's gonna step up today?," I ask myself. "What's your strategy, Murph?"

The answer is "Me, I hope." Quickly followed by "Strategy? Seriously? Heck, I'll be happy just to finish."

Seventh Inning
My version of the seventh inning stretch started this weekend. Right after practice on Saturday. Right after our last practice triathlon.

The seventh inning stretch is a wonderful moment. No matter how well or how poorly your team is doing, everyone at the game gathers in one beautiful, glorious, not-so-harmonic moment and sing America's unofficial ballad.

There was to be no singing on Saturday. But we all came together in one beautiful, glorious, and not-so-warm moment and celebrated.

We didn't celebrate how well or how poorly our Saturday practice triathlon went.

We celebrated where we've been, where we've gotten, and where we're going. We celebrated our friends and family, and thanked them for all their support. We celebrated our personal heroes, and prayed for them all.

It was a beautiful chorus of cheers and revelry.

I may never have stared down a pitcher in a baseball game, but I love the sport. I know you won't see me staring down from the winner's podium in two weeks, but I have loved the journey.

PLAY BALL!