Always Root for the Underdog
I was probably about six years old the first time I went to a Major League game. I had never been to a place before that had so many people. Gosh, I didn’t even know that many people existed in the world. I came from a small town where you saw nothing but hills for as far as the eye could see. Looking out across the valley from our front yard, all I could see were sunbeams that peaked through the clouds and green hills. Then there were the two boys that lived “next door” which meant down the way. A hike through the long grass or a ride on the gravel road with our bicycles would get us to their house. We were all that existed out that way in rural country. It was a trip to go into town, but that was exciting as you might find another kid to play with at the park and talk to while our moms ran the errands. And then life changed and we moved to the Seattle area.
At that first game, I remember being completely mesmerized. People watching for as far as the eye could see. There were those around us shouting and cheering and then looking across they became less personal but you could feel the same energy. Green walls were all that you could see in the stadium because back then advertising was very minimal and for whatever reason green was the scene. With a perfectly manicured Astroturf field, I had never seen such a thing. And that is where I was first introduced to “the wave” and oh, what fun that was standing on my chair waving my arms in the air and screaming as the crowd circled around. I remember very little about the specifics of the game, I have no idea who the Mariners played that night. But I do remember the sideline antics that kept the audience busy during down time, the first time I had Cracker Jacks, and my very first 7th inning stretch. I had a hard time sitting still as a kid, so I remember going out during one of the innings with my dad so that I could run out some energy on the up and down of the pathways that circled the building. The Kingdome became a magical place of childhood.
As I remember the crowd rooting in anxiousness for a win, I also learned the hard knocks of disappointment. See, every game that we went to from that day on seemed to have one thing in common, and that is our Home team lost a lot. You wanted a win so badly, but it often just didn’t come to fruition. And that is why to this day, I tend to root for the underdog. When a team that struggles comes out ahead, it’s like a gift that renews a belief that anyone can win and the magic of the ball field comes alive. So here is to all of the teams (raise your glass) that are at the bottom…may your chance at a new year bring a surprise excitement. Maybe we will get an astonishing shock or two… I know I was really pulling for those Orioles last season. So who will the underdog of 2023 be that will give us a nice elation to cheer on?
Submitted by Baseball Sidekick