I say you know it’s summertime baseball style when the thought of going to a game (which is usually a fun night out of the house with 40,000 other people to  talk to and talk about) practically makes you prepare to have a heat stroke. The avid fans will go to a game in 113 heat index to cheer on the home team. I guess its no different than the fact I would sit in snow amid freezing temperatures to watch football (although the Rams make it hard to be a fan.) I know that everyone was happy about the Sam Bradford acquisition, however to take on an injured quarterback with little to no defense to stop sacks may not have been the best idea, but we shall see.

For myself, summer doesn’t start until the pools open and Memorial Day has gone by, thus deeming white pants acceptable. Once the pools open, for many, the Igloo coolers, ice and alcohol come out. Use caution with this mix, stay safe, have fun, and stay away from your phones! Technology is great except when the drunk dials and texts come out!

That was until I witnessed a 20 inning game. TWENTY INNINGS??  I even fell asleep for about 2 hours and the game was STILL on.  It was insane. All in all a pretty boring game, after all I DID fall asleep,but here my husband sat faithfully watching and continuously cheering on his home team even when it seemed hopeless.

That is when it dawned on me. He is more than just a supporter of his team. He is a supporter of me. I’m sure the shopping trips or long conversations about who knows what or the hours I spend on my guilty pleasure reality shows, he finds just as boring as I found the long 20 inning game.  We don’t always agree on what show we should watch, where we go or what we should talk about, but we support each other. I know I can go to him for anything.

I believe this is based on the fact that he is my best friend. We knew eachother for 8 years, had been together for almost 5 when we got married. We had LOTS of time to get to know eachother and become friends which lead to an amazing relationship. TIME is important, even if it feels like a never ending 20 inning game. And always be supportive, it really can be the game changer!!

And then it happened. Two strikes, last chance. HOME RUN!! Cardinals go up 5 to 4. One would think we just won the lottery. Just another baseball night at home. While my husband was excited about the home run, and suddenly a fan of the man he has just five minutes earlier despised, I was silently enjoying that I was right. Of course the silence didn’t last for long. It helped that they held on to the lead and brought home a winner.

I did learn a valuable lesson while watching the game. The announcers like to throw in personal stories about the players, which helps me remember names. Blake Hawksworth’s, a relief pitcher, grandfather was instrumental in getting the olympics in Canada and was honored in the Opening Ceremonies.

Relationships are a give and take. I can’t really complain we didn’t do anything except watch baseball. I am guilty of dragging him to a quick shopping trip. He can’t really complain about the shopping trip. It was brief, and I make sure he knows I want his opinion on what I buy, which makes it a little more appealing. I in turn made sure we were home in time for the game, cheered when I heard he was (minus cheering for Jim Edmunds who my sister was in love with while he was here) and did enojy being right.

I began paying a little more attention to the players on the team. I tried to remember the stats during the sports on the news. I’s listen to the sports radio and immediately called with sports updates, although most of the time he already knew. In return, my husband started handing out “brownie points.” It’s almost a game within a game and it makes it fun. Whats even funnier is I’ve gotten so good sometimes he forgets I know, or knew, next to nothing about baseball and now we hold conversations about traded players, injury reports and stats. It doesn’t hurt that the players aren’t too bad on the eyes either!

The fantasy league isn’t too bad either. Although it JUST started so I may change my mind. In our league I am the common link between a lot of the players. While one guy is dangling a Pujols trade in front of everyone like a carrot to a donkey, I get to hear all the grumbles while still stirring the pot. I think the trade offer I received was the most fair, which of course must be because I’m the only girl in the league and the favorite, right?

Personally, I am counting down the days until football season starts. For now here is my little piece of advice for those obsessed with and those who love the obsessed with fans. Obsessed fans: If the one you love is not a fan, but watches games with you, sits in brutal summer weather attending games with you, and smiles the whole time, PLEASE acknowledge that. We are not falling in love with the game. We will put with the game to be with you. For those of us not in love with baseball, since it’s that time of year again, a little interest goes a long way. Now, Let’s Play Ball!!!!