Celeste, Andre and I headed out to the ballpark last night for a little family time. Since I've started working for Lucasfilm, there hasn't been a lot of time for my wife and son - so I was happy to discover that George had given me his three right field bleacher seats for last night's game.
We arrived at the valet parking with about an hour to go until game time and me determined to make this a special night for all involved. I paid the guy a fiver to park our cherry red 1963 roadster in the parking lot and told him to keep an eye on it, then I escorted Celeste and Andre towards the Lefty O'Doul gate. But before we went in, we stopped at the Giants Dugout Store to buy some S.F. Giants 2007 NL West Champs hats and pins. Dutifully accoutred, we entered the park and took the steps to the top of the stadium.
The bunting was still in place from the Bonds 800th Homerun celebration the night before, but it looked a little sad - like it had perhaps seen its last hurrah. I told the bunting to cheer up since I knew that Bonds was likely to be signed for another couple of years so that he could make an attempt on Oh's all time homerun record.
We sat in our seats and watched the pre-game festivities and ordered hot dogs and beer from passing vendors. I was glad that they rolled back the prices. Andre wanted two hot dogs but I reminded him that he had a big soccer game tomorrow, so he wheedled me into buying him a Chocolate Malt instead. I swear my son is getting as persuasive as me some days.
The game started and Cain was dealing - six strikeouts in the first seven batters on only 24 pitches. But defense is boring for a seven year old, so we were both happy when Bonds hit #801 right over our heads in the 3rd. Andre looked at me as the ball hit the water as if to say, "Well, aren't you going after it?" I just patted his back and high fived him. Celeste and I shared a congratulatory kiss that made me wish Bonds would hit a couple of more jacks - onion breath and all.
But the real teaching moment came in the fifth inning when Bonds was up again and popped up a ball that dropped in front of everyone on the infield. But the ump had ruled for the infield fly rule and Andre cried out that it wasn't fair - that they should have to catch the ball. He turned to me and asked, "Why do you think God allows the infield fly rule?"
I looked at Andre and sensing one of those great Christian teaching moments that we all seem to enjoy with our sons, I replied, "Because even God doesn't understand the infield fly rule, son." It was a great father-son moment.
The Giants won the game 8-1 over the Dodgers (who just aren't the same since Jeff Kent became their manager) and we all went home happy. Tomorrow, I start work on the edit of the new Star Wars TV series, so I'd better get some sleep.
Oh, sorry I didn't have any photos. Andre accidentally threw my camera out into McCovey cove when Bonds hit the homerun and these two teens caught the camera, but their boat sank before they could return it to me.
Just remember what God said about the sincerest form of flattery...
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