Jun 12 2006
Magical Evening
Last Thursday, my family ventured to Minute Maid Park to watch the Astros battle the Braves. I typically attend a fair number of Astros games during the season, but this one was special. Our seats were located in front row directly behind the Astros bullpen; in fact, we were mere feet from the mounds where Andy Pettitte was warming-up prior to the game.
Being that close to a major-league pitcher gave all of us a heightened appreciation for what the hitters face every day. That ball was moving! When you add to that all of the fans leaning over the wall with cameras and things to sign, it’s a wonder they can pitch at all.
My eight-year-old, who will start pitching for the first time in the fall, was studying Pettitte’s every move. The perspective was fantastic for a kid just starting to think about becoming a pitcher. As he finished, Pettitte said something to Astros Pitching Coach Jim Hickey and handed him the ball. Hickey smiled, turned to my son, and tossed him the ball Pettitte used for warm-ups. The smile on my son’s face reminded me just how much magic exists in professional sports and how important it is for us to remember, sometimes a simple gesture can have a profound impact.
The Astros went out to win the game 7-4 with Pettitte getting the win to complete the storybook night and we got to see Brad Lidge’s fastball from five feet away. Again, I was glad to be in the stands and not at the plate when he came into the game.
My son has the ball in a display case on top of his trophy shelf and it will be something he treasures for some time to come.
