My First MLB Game by Myself

 

               Five years ago today, I saw my first Major League Baseball game completely by myself.  I went to Seattle the previous day on the BoltBus and stayed overnight in the Hostel, because it was a Sunday afternoon game between the Seattle Mariners and the Chicago White Sox.  This was done intentionally because the Mariners had revealed at the start of the 2015 season, they would be wearing special uniforms for Home Sunday games, cream-colored uniforms with a blue and gold color scheme and no last names on the back, creating a faux-retro look.  My Dad said, when seeing them on TV, that the uniforms resembled the ones the Mariners wore from 1987-1992.  The White Sox also wore alternate uniforms, black tops with white lettering.  I had seen this on them almost twenty years prior, when my family took a trip to South California and we saw the Chicago White Sox at the then California Angels.

 

               The Mariners were entering a period of transition, as General Manager Jack Zdurencik had recently been fired and Jerry DiPoto, a former starting pitcher, had been hired to take his place.  Taijuan Walker, who rejoined the Mariners this year, started for them this game, doing a masterful job if I recall correctly.  John Danks was on the mound for the White Sox.  The thing I remember most was Robinson Cano smacking a home run to center field, which the White Sox’ Jose Abreu also did the next half-inning.  Mark Trumbo also got the start as the first baseman, but handed it over to Logan Morrison in the ninth.  Tom Wilhelmsen got the save, but didn’t come out to “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)” by Jimi Hendrix as I’ve heard is the norm.  I never saw that combination, in 2012, when he came out to close against the Giants, they played AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long” and in 2014’s Turn Back the Clock Game to 1979 against the Astros, they played Heart’s “Barracuda.”  (I do think that was an acceptable time-period substitute, since both Hendrix and Heart are from Seattle) The Mariners ultimately won the game 8-6, promising some good times ahead.  And let’s be honest, from 2016-2018, they were competitive and these last two years are more about getting the young players’ feet wet than trying to get to first.  Consider these the 1989-1993 before the 1995-2001.

                 I am hopeful when this pandemic is over I can once again go to Mariner games by myself, it gives me a feeling of strength and independence.

The percolating Hot Stove

Well, it's Christmas time and all I have left on my shopping list is my Dad's present. During these months, my beloved sport of baseball doesn't stop, instead, the always-exciting, sometimes nerve-wracking Hot Stove season of Transactions starts. My team, the Mariners, have already traded reliever Josh Lueke to the Tampa Bay Rays for catcher John Jaso and signed other players to minor league contracts. The big rumors with the Mariners, however, is that they are seeking and hopefully to sign free agent first baseman and power hitter Prince Fielder. Naturally, this would be awesome. However, recently, people seem to suggest that if Fielder signs, that means Ichiro will leave the team post 2012. I am a huge Ichiro fan, having seen him many times since 2002. While I know good things can't last forever, I feel like Ichiro is going to bounce back from his average 2011 season and can keep playing baseball for quite some time. As the Mariners bring forth their prospects like Mike Carp and Dustin Ackley as well as young talent traded for like Justin Smoak, Casper Wells and Trayvon Robinson, I would love it if Ichiro would be part of that team. Seeing Ichiro on the same team as all the exciting young Mariners would be a dream come true, which makes me scared when people talk about his contract being "off the books."  So, here's hoping for the signing of Prince Fielder and the continued reign of Ichiro Suzuki as the Mariners star player.

Checking in

Hi all.  Sorry I'm not updating this as frequently as I'd like, but quite a lot keeps happening.  Right now, I'm volunteering at Northwest Youth Services, and keeping my job at Little Caesar's.  The same old issues keep playing at me, worsened by reading conservative opinions on video games and rock/metal music.  Now I keep thinking that I do the "wrong thing" by conservative standards, there is no good afterlife for me.  I keep doing the norm, though I've been playing less video games due to my schedule.  I'm also paranoid that the Mariners and the Cyrus family will let me down in these coming months, like Miley will forget about Jesus in favor of some Eastern god, or the Mariners will trade Ichiro and/or sign nobodies to help them next year.  On the plus side, I had my first video chat with my brother last night, and look forward to more of those.  I'm looking forward to Christmas and wish I could spend more time with my future sister-in-law this Holiday season.  Until next time, which might be in December, God bless.

Get what you got coming

I'm listening to this awesome Van Zant song right now, fresh off crushing my demons.  I saved the character, learned about prodigal sons and lost elder brothers, I'm feeling better.  Now if only the M's could win, I hate the idea of going 2-160!

Update 2: electric boogaloo

Well, I joined Twitter at twitter.com/djshort89  and am watching Indiana Jones on USA right now.  I'm looking for a full-time job and working on my dreams, I hope to make my documentary, work for Nintendo, make those movies, and do voice-acting on the side the whole way.  I'm also dealing with those issues that sprang up last time in my own way, writing about them and fixing them to my perspective.  I just also got a pang of depression to hear about Jack Wilson's difficulties with my favorite ball club, but I think it'll pass.

Update

Hey guys.
Well, I've got a little anxiety still, Men of Faith on Facebook likes to link to that guy who believes that homosexuality is something to repent or die with.  I'd quit them, but they're pretty great otherwise.  Beyond that, Miley's older sister Brandi kind of shook me up by saying "don't let anyone fool you, every single person in the music business industry is only out for themselves."  Which to me says, the supergroup of Miley, Demi, Brandi and Hayley is unlikely (though Twitter and interviews show them to be pretty much the best of friends), but I really want to see it, even if it means flying to Los Angeles with very little money.  I'd like you guys to pray for my dreams and the Japanese, since God is Almighty and gave me this heart for these things.
The Mariners took Opening Day in Oakland, which makes me happy.  I'm really looking forward to seeing these two teams lock horns in three weeks with my Dad's family.  Hopefully, the Mariners will keep performing this well (knock on wood).  I've got a record six games to see this year, with the M's playing the A's, Phillies, Marlins, Padres, Rangers and Rays.  I'm so excited for it!

Some goals

-See all teams in Major League Baseball at least once.
-See every Mariners Turn Back the Clock Game.
-See Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Frank and Derol, Paramore, Billy Ray Cyrus and 1964 the Tribute whenever they come to Puget Sound area.
-Move to my own place.
-Work in film.
-Minister to Christian celebrities.
-Print my book.
-Make a spiritual film with Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Brandi Cyrus.
-Make a Mario-fueled video game movie trilogy.
-Be a voice actor.

Future Baseball

The games of the future are

Oakland Athletics @ Seattle Mariners 2011, to be seen by Mom, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and I

Philadelphia Phillies @ Seattle Mariners 2011, to be seen by Mom, Cousins and I

Seattle Mariners @ Florida Marlins 2011, to be seen by Mom, Cousins and I

San Diego Padres @ Seattle Mariners “1983” (2011), to be seen by Mom, Cousins and I

Texas Rangers @ Seattle Mariners 2011, to be seen by Mom, Cousins and I

Tampa Bay Rays @ Seattle Mariners 2011, to be seen by Mom, Cousins and I

Baseball log

Here is a list of all the Major League Baseball games my family has seen.  It may not be finished and it doesn't list the upcoming games I want to see.

1920s

Washington Senators @ Cleveland Indians, seen by Great-Uncle, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather

New York Yankees @ Cleveland Indians, seen by Great-Uncle, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather

1930s

National League @ American League All-Star Game 1935, seen by Great-Uncle

1940s

Boston Braves @ Cleveland Indians World Series 1948, seen by Great-Uncle

Unknown @ Chicago White Sox, seen by Grandma’s family

1950s

Washington Senators @ New York Yankees 1951, seen by Grandma

Chicago Cubs @ St. Louis Cardinals 1952, seen by Grandma

1960s

Chicago Cubs @ New York Mets, seen by Dad

Detroit Tigers @ Seattle Pilots 1969, seen by Grandma

Baltimore Orioles @ Seattle Pilots 1969, seen by Grandma

Washington Senators @ Seattle Pilots 1969, seen by Mom, Grandma, Uncles

1970s

Philadelphia Phillies @ Cincinnati Reds 1971, seen by Grandma

Cincinnati Reds @ Philadelphia Phillies 1971, seen by Dad

California Angels @ Seattle Mariners 1977, seen by Uncle

Minnesota Twins @ Seattle Mariners 1978, seen by Grandma

Milwaukee Brewers @ Seattle Mariners 1978, seen by Grandma

1980s

New York Yankees @ Seattle Mariners 1981, seen by Grandma

Oakland Athletics @ Seattle Mariners 1981, seen by Grandma

Minnesota Twins @ Seattle Mariners 1985, seen by Grandma

Toronto Blue Jays @ Seattle Mariners 1986, seen by Grandma

California Angels @ Seattle Mariners 1986, seen by Grandma

Boston Red Sox @ Seattle Mariners 1987, seen by Grandma, Mom, Dad, Brother

1990s

New York Yankees @ Seattle Mariners 1991, seen by Dad, Mom, Grandma

Detroit Tigers @ Seattle Mariners 1992, seen by Mom, Brother, Grandma

Kansas City Royals @ Seattle Mariners 1992, seen by Grandma, Dad, Mom

Texas Rangers @ Seattle Mariners 1992, seen by Grandma, Dad, Mom

Boston Red Sox @ Seattle Mariners 1993, seen by Grandma, Dad, Mom, Uncle, Cousin and I

Baltimore Orioles @ Seattle Mariners 1993, seen by Grandma, Dad, Mom, Uncle, Cousin and I

“Oakland Oaks” @ “Seattle Rainiers” “1955” (1994) Turn-Back the Clock Game, seen by Grandma, Dad, Mom, Brother and I

New York Yankees @ California Angels 1994, seen by Uncle

Los Angeles Dodgers @ Los Angeles Dodgers 1994, seen by Uncle

Boston Red Sox @ Cleveland Indians post-1994, seen by Great-Uncle

Baltimore Orioles @ Seattle Mariners 1995, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother and I

Texas Rangers @ Seattle Mariners 1995, seen by Grandma, Brother

Oakland Athletics @ Seattle Mariners 1995, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother and I

New York Yankees @ Seattle Mariners 1995 Playoff Game, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother and I

Los Angeles Dodgers @ California Angels 1995 Old-Timers game, seen by Mom and Dad

San Diego Padres @ Seattle Mariners 1996 Spring Training game, seen by Grandma

Seattle Mariners @ California Angels 1996 Spring Training game, seen by Grandma

New York Yankees @ Seattle Mariners 1996, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother and I

Chicago White Sox @ California Angels 1996, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother and I

California Angels @ Seattle Mariners 1996, seen by Mom, Grandma, Cousin and I

Minnesota Twins @ Seattle Mariners 1996, seen by Mom, Dad, Uncles, Cousins, Brother and I

Oakland Athletics @ Seattle Mariners 1996, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother and I

New York Mets @ Florida Marlins 1996, seen by Uncle and Cousins

San Diego Padres @ Seattle Mariners 1997 Spring Training game, seen by Grandma

Chicago Cubs @ Seattle Mariners 1997 Spring Training game, seen by Grandma

Anaheim Angels @ Seattle Mariners 1997 Spring Training game, seen by Grandma

Milwaukee Brewers @ Seattle Mariners 1997 Spring Training game, seen by Grandma

Oakland Athletics @ Seattle Mariners 1997 Spring Training game, seen by Grandma

Seattle Mariners @ Anaheim Angels 1997 Spring Training game, seen by Grandma

Seattle Mariners @ San Francisco Giants 1997 Spring Training game, seen by Grandma

Boston Red Sox @ Seattle Mariners 1997, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother and I

Baltimore Orioles @ Seattle Mariners 1997, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother and I

Detroit Tigers @ Seattle Mariners 1997, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother and I

New York Yankees @ Seattle Mariners 1997, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother, Grandma and I

Oakland Athletics @ Seattle Mariners 1997, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother and I

Seattle Mariners @ Kansas City Royals, seen by Uncle

Unknown @ Tampa Bay Devil Rays, seen by Dad’s Cousin

Tampa Bay Devil Rays @ Seattle Mariners 1998, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother and I

Anaheim Angels @ Seattle Mariners 1998, seen by Dad

Kansas City Royals @ Seattle Mariners “2027” (1998) Turn-ahead-the-clock game, seen by Mom, Uncle, Cousin and I

New York Yankees @ Seattle Mariners 1998, seen by Mom, Dad, Grandma, Uncles, Brother and I

Oakland Athletics @ Seattle Mariners 1999, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother and I

Texas Rangers @ Seattle Mariners 1999, seen by Uncle, Cousin and Brother

San Diego Padres @ Seattle Mariners 1999, seen by Uncle and Cousin

Arizona Diamondbacks @ Seattle Mariners 1999, seen by Mom, Dad, Brother and I

Boston Red Sox @ Seattle Mariners 1999, seen by Dad

2000s

Philadelphia Phillies @ Seattle Mariners 2000, seen by Dad, Brother and I

Texas Rangers @ Oakland Athletics 2000, seen by Dad, Mom, Brother and I

Texas Rangers @ Seattle Mariners 2000, seen by Dad

New York Yankees @ Seattle Mariners 2001 Playoff Games, seen by Grandma

San Diego Padres @ Seattle Mariners 2002, seen by Grandma, Brother and I

Texas Rangers @ Seattle Mariners 2002, seen by Mom, Cousin, Brother and I

Tampa Bay Devil Rays @ Seattle Mariners 2003, seen by Mom, Grandma, Grandpa, Brother and I

Baltimore Orioles @ Seattle Mariners 2003, seen by Dad, Brother and I

Montreal Expos @ Seattle Mariners 2003, seen by Uncle and Cousins

Minnesota Twins @ Seattle Mariners 2004, seen by cousin

Houston Astros @ Seattle Mariners 2004, seen by Uncle and Cousins

San Diego Padres @ San Francisco Giants 2004, seen by Uncle and Cousins

Chicago White Sox @ Seattle Mariners 2005, seen by Dad, Brother and I

Seattle Mariners @ Tacoma Rainiers 2006, seen by Aunt and Uncle

Anaheim Angels @ Seattle Mariners 2006, seen by Brother and Cousin

Detroit Tigers @ Seattle Mariners 2006, seen by Uncle

San Diego Padres @ Seattle Mariners 2006, seen by Uncle

Detroit Tigers @ “Seattle Pilots” “1969” (2006) Turn Back the Clock game, seen by Mom, Brother and I

Tampa Bay Devil Rays @ Minnesota Twins 2006, seen by Dad

Texas Rangers @ Seattle Mariners 2007, seen by Brother and Brother’s Girlfriend

New York Yankees @ Seattle Mariners 2007, seen by Mom, Brother and I

Oakland Athletics @ Seattle Mariners “1977” (2007) Turn Back the Clock Game, seen by Mom, Brother and I

Boston Red Sox @ Seattle Mariners 2007, seen by Aunt and Uncle

Seattle Mariners @ Minnesota Twins 2007, seen by Dad

Cleveland Indians @ Minnesota Twins 2007, seen by Dad and Uncle

Washington Nationals @ Minnesota Twins 2008, seen by Dad, Brother and I

Cleveland Indians @ Seattle Mariners “1989” (2008) Turn Back the Clock Game, seen by Mom, Brother, Brother’s girlfriend and I

“Oakland Oaks” @ “Seattle Rainiers” “1939” (2009) Turn Back the Clock Game, seen by Mom, Brother and I

Boston Red Sox @ Seattle Mariners 2009, seen by Mom, Brother, Brother’s girlfriend and I

Chicago Cubs @ Washington Nationals 2009, seen by Uncle

2010s

San Francisco Giants @ Oakland Athletics 2010, seen by Brother and Brother’s girlfriend

San Diego Padres @ Seattle Mariners 2010, seen by Uncle, Aunt, Mom and I

“California Angels” @ Seattle Mariners “1995” (2010) Turn Back the Clock Game, seen by Mom, Bellingham Covenant Church and I

Cincinnati Reds @ Seattle Mariners 2010, seen by Dad, Brother and I

New York Yankees @ Seattle Mariners 2010 seen by cousin

Florida Marlins @ San Francisco Giants 2010, seen by Mom, my brother and I

“New York Cubans” @ “Pittsburgh Crawfords” “1930s” (2010) Turn Back the Clock Game, seen by Dad, brother and I